I Feel Down

I started cake decorating last December and I took the classes in Michael's. I finished the classes last April and I've been making cakes for friends and family but mostly fondant. I am trying to practice my piping skills. I really suck at it and it annoys me and I feel down. I feel like, I am not gonna be able to perfect this like other cake decorators do. Another thing is it's very hot right now and it's making my icing soft. Maybe I'm just tired and exhausted and trying to get my piping skills perfect right away just makes me feel down, maybe I should stop doing this.

What is the best way to practice piping?

I want to go work part-time at a bakery like maybe just for a few hours in the weekend but I'm not sure if they need somebody just for the weekend. I can't work full time and weekdays because I have an 11 month baby. So I practice my cake decorating stuff when she is asleep and when I'm done cleaning the house and doing laundry. Hayyyy, I need a red bull!

Please share your tips on how to improve on piping and how long did it take you to perfect the piping skills. Thank you so much.

Hey, don't worry! You will get better! And we CC'ers are here to support you!! It really does take a lot of practice. I've only been doing this consistently for 3 years. My piping still isn't the best, but I continue practicing.

Some people buy the practice boards/mats from the cake decorating aisles in places like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc.. But, personally, I've never bought one. I simply lay out a piece of wax paper and pipe away. Other times, I even use a paper plate or piece of plastic wrap.

Welcome to the "I can't pipe to save my life" club!!! I'm soooo with you!! I prefer to focus on the things I'm good at. If I have to pipe I will but I do warn people that I'm not as good at that as I would like to be.I too need to practice practice practice but I'm not sure where I could find that type of time needed

Many years ago when I first started to teach my self to decorate I used the back side of cake pans to practice my piping with - it works well because you can practice borders, writing, string work, side swags etc and then all you have to do it wipe off what you piped and have a clean surface to do it again!